6. PÉTANQUE IN VIVIERS In the Middle Ages, the town of Viviers on the banks of the Rhône had two distinct parts which reflected the equally distinct social divide of the time. “Common folk,” artisans and trades persons lived in the Lower City on the river plain, while the bishop and his circle lorded over them from the hilltop Upper City. Go back a thousand years as you explore this well-preserved medieval city, crowned by the Cathedral of St. Vincent. Largely built in the 14th century, the cathedral boasts flamboyant late-Gothic elements that were added in the 16th century and carved choir stalls and lovely tapestries from the 18th century. Weather permitting, join the locals for a lively game of pétanque, a favorite neighborhood pastime, before an afternoon cruising towards Vienne. Meals BLD
7. ROMAN RUINS IN VIENNE Impressive Roman ruins, like the virtually intact Temple of Augustus and Livia and the 13,000-seat Theater cut into the hillside, chronicle Vienne’s importance as a springboard for Julius Caesar’s conquest of Gaul during the 1st century; see them on a guided walking tour with a local guide this morning. Spend a relaxing afternoon shipboard, and, weather permitting, watch the passing scenery from a lounge chair on the Sun Deck or enjoy onboard activities. Tonight dine at Paul Bocuse’s acclaimed restaurant, Abbaye de Collonges. Meals BLD
8. A TASTE OF LIFE IN CHALON-SUR-SAÔNE Get ready to see picture-perfect sights today not just because this Burgundy town is known as the birthplace of photography, thanks to native son Nicéphore Niépce, but because Chalon-sur-Saône is also home to striking Romanesque
SECRETS
OF THE TERROIR A Provençal winemaker wrote, in the 1600s, of wines that give courage and song and love and joy. He was speaking about Châteauneuf-du-Pape, 13 different varieties of wine, 8 red, 5 white, produced in the southern Rhône Valley since the 1300s and the birth of the papal vineyard. Vineyards here thrive in the low hills and Mediterranean climate, with more than 200 days of sunshine and cold, biting rain-bearing mistral winds that enable the soil to store water for the long hot days of summer. Magnificent châteaux are emblematic of the importance of Châteauneuf-du-Pape and other French appellations, like Côtes du Rhône and Pouilly-Fuissé, red and white wines you’ll taste in private vineyards – and in a family-owned 900-year-old castle – where they are produced, as you learn the time-honored secrets of the terroir. Regional varieties of local vins will be featured daily during dinner aboard ms Swiss Emerald for your pleasure.
View Roman ruins on a guided tour of Vienne, dating back to the 1st century Call your travel agent or Tauck at 877-519-1035
tauck.com/river-cruises 37
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